Google wants you to map the world

Google Maps and its Street View program have traveled across much of the world, beginning with streets and then venturing out to trails, museums and even under the waves at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Now the search giant wishes to enlist the aid of users to go further that ever.

The company is enlisting volunteers to strap on its cameras and head off around the world. The first example of this was carried out in Hawaii and information and images can be found on the Google Maps blog.

“We’re working to build the very best map of the world, and we’d love your help to do it. Today we’re kicking off a pilot program that enables third party organizations to borrow the Street View Trekkerand contribute imagery to Google Maps. For the first time ever, this program will enable organizations to use our camera equipment to collect 360-degree photos of the places they know best — helping us make Google Maps more comprehensive and useful for all. This program is part of our ongoing effort to make it possible for anyone to contribute to Google Maps”.

The first partner, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), has already begun using the Trekker to take photos of the most popular, well-trafficked sites on the Hawaiian islands for future inclusion on Google Maps.

If you wish to be next, then this is the time to register. Got a big trip planned? Want to contribute to what has widely been considered the best map service in the world? Pack your bags!